Triple triumph for York family’s island park

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by Ed Davies

Staff, guests and the family owners of York’s Weir Holiday Park are celebrating after receiving a hat-trick of awards this autumn

Sited on an island on the River Derwent in Stamford Bridge, the park’s accolades trumpet its high quality standards and successful efforts to protect the natural world.

Underlining the business’s green credentials is the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award 2016, presented to the park by the world-famous television botanist.

Professor Bellamy congratulated David and Christine Hind, owners of the park for over 25 years, on obtaining the highest gold level.

Weir’s next honour came in the form of a top gold award from Yorkshire in Bloom after it beat stiff competition to take first place in the holiday park category of the contest.

Next, the park learned that VisitEngland inspectors this year had once again awarded it a four-star grade.

According to Christine, the three honours received by the park are the icing on the cake after an especially busy summer.

“We have always tried to run Weir Holiday Park along sustainable lines, and we receive incredible support from our loyal and hard-working staff team,” she said.

“It is great to be able to live and work in this lovely part of Yorkshire, and to know that we are being supported in our efforts by someone like David Bellamy.

“Now we intend to use these awards to help publicise the region as a whole, and to put the spotlight on what a wonderful place it is to take a holiday.”

The accolades have a special significance for David and Christine as their park has now recovered after being flooded during last winter’s storms.

Fears that Weir’s abundant wildlife would have been affected by the deluge have proved groundless, said Christine, and the flora and fauna are now back to full strength.

The park’s gold David Bellamy award, received for the third year in succession, recognises the raft of initiatives taken by the couple to protect and enhance the natural world.

David and Christine have also planted many native trees, shrubs and hedging which provide wildlife habitats, and installed bird, bat and owl boxes around the grounds.

Caravan Club sites app improved and relaunched

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by Ed Davies

After it was released to the market earlier this year, The Caravan Club has relaunched its caravan sites app following several alterations and amendments
The size of the app is significantly smaller than the previous version, taking up less storage space on your device.
This is because the app now uses the maps that are already built into your phone or tablet whereas before the update, the app came with Caravan Club maps that were installed on your device, making its overall size much larger.
By using the built-in maps (also known as ‘native’ maps), The Caravan Club has also been able to iron out some bugs that were being experienced with the previous version.
There have also been other bug fixes, particularly focusing on issues that were intermittently preventing search results from displaying correctly.

A Caravan Club spokesperson said: “Since the app was launched earlier this year we have been listening to your feedback, and your ideas and suggestions have helped us to develop the app further
“We are pleased to report that your main concerns have been addressed in this latest update. Plus, we’ve also made some additional improvements which we’re confident you’ll like.
“If you haven’t already, you can upgrade your UK Sites App today – available to download in the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOs.”

Scottish caravan park given quality award

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by Ed Davies

A holiday park in Dumfries has picked up a four star quality assurance award from VisitScotland
Lighthouse Leisure Caravan Park on the Solway coast at Southerness was upgraded following a recent assessment visit by a quality tourism advisor in recognition of the quality of accommodation on offer.
The static and touring caravan park is only a short walk from Southerness beach and the historic lighthouse which is open to the public.
There is also a leisure centre with pool, coffee shop, entertainments room and children’s soft play area.
Sylvia Hunt, general manager of Lighthouse Leisure Caravan Park, said: “We are delighted.
“Our facilities are ideal for families as well as people wanting a base to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Solway Coast.”
Doug Wilson, VisitScotland regional director, said: “This award is a welcome boost to the business as well as the region as a whole.”

Park pub pick of the bunch in North West bloom awards

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by Ed Davies

A holiday park pub in Silverdale, South Cumbria, has beaten hundreds of other contenders to take the gold award at North West in Bloom

The Royal, owned by Silverdale Holiday Park, was given gold in the small accommodation category at the award finals at the end of October.

Judges in the keenly contested competition decided The Royal had trumped all-comers, with the pub’s floral displays accounting for half the marks awarded.

“Everyone at The Royal is absolutely delighted that we have managed to bring one of the North West in Bloom’s top accolades back to Silverdale,” said park owner Michael Holgate.

“We have received many comments on how visually stunning the exterior looks and credit for that goes to Kim and everyone else who works so hard to keep up our appearance.

“But what is especially pleasing is that we were also judged across a raft of different criteria from the quality of the welcome given by staff to our sustainability policies.

“We have always intended The Royal to be a source of pride for the village as a whole, and it is great to have our efforts supported by the judges in this competition.”

The pub also came top in the other 50% of marks measuring the quality of what is provided to guests, the standards of hospitality, and responsible environmental practices.

The Royal’s success was announced in front of hundreds of guests at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday October 28 at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Stepping up to receive the gold prize was Kim Hodson-Walker, who is a warden at the Holgate group’s Netherbeck Park, and who helped create The Royal’s gardening triumph.

The displays include, in keeping with the pub’s name, stunning red, white and blue plantings of fragrant flowers in troughs made by Holgates crafts-people from recycled timber.

After standing empty since 2010, The Royal re-opened in spring this year following a £300,000 refurbishment project by local family-run holiday parks business Holgates.

Motorhome honeymoon for Olympians Jason and Laura Kenny

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by Ed Davies

After their historic achievements at the Rio Olympics, newlyweds Jason and Laura Kenny, decided a motorhome honeymoon across Europe would be the perfect way to unwind away from the media spotlight

A motorhome holiday not only allowed Jason and Laura the chance to visit five countries – France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg & Belgium – but also meant that their two dogs Sprolo and Pringle were able to come along for the ride as well.

The couple chose a Bailey Approach Advance 665 for their European trip and have now returned to the UK after more than a month of touring.

“We had such a wonderful time,” said Laura. “When Jason said he wanted to hire a motorhome for our honeymoon, so the dogs could come too, I was a bit sceptical.

“I am so glad he did. The four of us have seen some really beautiful places on our trip and had the absolutely best time together.

“We really cannot thank Bailey enough for the loan of the motorhome.”

Laura already has previous experience of life in a Bailey motorhome through use of the support vehicle which the company currently provides for the Matrix Fitness women’s cycling team of which she is a member.

The team has been supporting and promoting the women’s cycling scene since it was officially formed in 2010 and competes at major races throughout the UK and Europe.

Nick Howard, managing director of Bailey of Bristol said: “Jason and Laura’s record-breaking success on the cycle track in Rio this summer, as part of a tremendous overall Team GB performance, has really captured the public imagination and has made the whole nation feel very proud.

“We were delighted therefore to be able to provide them with the use of a Bailey motorhome in which they could escape the limelight for a while to enjoy some time together to relax.”

Lunar hat trick at Caravan Design Awards

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by Ed Davies

Lunar Caravans is celebrating a hat trick of award wins at the prestigious 2017 Caravan Design Awards run by The Caravan Club

Each of the three accolades was awarded to tourers from the Lancashire-based manufacturer’s latest 2017 collection.

The success comes on the back of a record breaking sales performance at the Motorhome and Caravan Show, staged at the NEC in Birmingham.

Lunar Caravans CEO, Brian Mellor, said: “The Caravan Club Design Awards are always highly anticipated as they are judged by the most respected seasoned professionals in our industry.

“To receive one award at this event is fantastic; to receive three is amazing.

“We invest a huge amount of energy, time and passion crafting caravans that we believe are the best on the market.

“For three very different models to win in three very different categories is truly gratifying.”

Scooping top prize in one of the most competitive categories, Best Caravan priced between £17,000 and £20,000, was the two berth Quasar 462; a single axle tourer with spacious 6’1″ long front seating featuring Lunar’s new easy action slide out bed bases and a SkyView roof light with new LED lit surround.

The Alaria TI won Best Caravan priced £28,000 – £34,000 and the Quasar 674 took first place in the category for Best Caravan with Dedicated Beds, priced £20,000 – £24,000.

Behind the scenes at The Caravan Club awards dinner

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by Ed Davies

At the end of the Motorhome and Caravan Show the annual Caravan Club awards dinner is held and CaravanTimes have gone behind the scenes to catch a glimpse of the process

Our team spoke to the judges and club officials before voting at the Caravan Design and Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards.

During the NEC show the judges inspected 105 different caravan models before they made their judgements at the awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum on Friday.

Caravan Club events manager, Sarah Simmons said: “We are looking at caravans for our caravan awards design competition.

“We are also looking at the dealer special end of the market and that is a part of our caravan design awards and we are also looking at trailer tents, folding campers, lightweight caravans for the lightweight camper trailer awards.”

Watch the video to see who won

Competition winner announced

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by Ed Davies

The winner of our prize to take home £500 worth of caravan and barbecue goodies has been revealed

The winner, chosen at random, will be sent the prizes in the post but might have to wait until next summer to enjoy their new equipment, unless they are truly fearless.

The competition was run in conjunction with Leisure Sales, who recently put their accessories shop online.

For those picturing a drum roll, fantastic, as the winner of the competition is Martin McNally. Now allow the klaxons to blare.

No worries those who did not win this time around, as we are running another competition next week giving away two £180 in-built radios.

The winner will soon be contacted by email in the coming days asking for his home address so it can be sent to his property.

Five new models for Auto-Trail in 2017

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by Ed Davies

Auto-Trail has released the improvements for this year including five new models throughout its fleet


V-line SE 636

The 636 combines a large rear lounge and a dinette with two additional forward-facing belted seats for additional passenger-carrying capacity.

The forward-facing seats enable the 636 to carry four people in safety while the open plan rear lounge and double rear doors make it a flexible load-carrier as well as a spacious long-range tourer.

With a brace of long bench seats, the extended rear lounge will seat six in comfort, and when it is time to retire, this large sleeping compartment offers a choice of generous 6ft 3in twin beds or a truly enormous transverse double.

Like the rest of the V-Line SE range, standard equipment is generous, with ESC and traction control, a roof-mounted awning, 100-watt solar panel, microwave and spare wheel all standard.

Fiat ‘Comfort-Matic’ transmission and 115bhp, 147bhp and 177bhp engines are also available.

The new 636 SE adds a four-seat option to the acclaimed V-Line range for the first time, bringing additional practicality and increased flexibility to the constantly expanding line-up.


Imala 734

The 734 is an innovative twin fixed single bed model providing luxurious fixed bed accommodation for couples, while doubling up as a roomy family multi-berth.

In Lo-Line configuration it is a dedicated couples’ van with acres of living space and two generous fixed singles in the rear bedroom.

Built on the market-leading Fiat Ducato chassis with a refined 130bhp engine and 6-speed gearbox, standard equipment includes metallic cab paint, colour-keyed bumpers, cab air conditioning, panoramic rooflights, a fitted microwave and Grade 3 insulation throughout.

The new Imala 734 is an authentic all-rounder with the versatility to meet the needs of the current generation of motorhomers.


Frontier Serrano

The Frontier Serrano provides space allowing for touring for two or four in a versatile layout with extra carrying capacity.

Replacing the Mohawk, the new Frontier Serrano matches a wide 4ft 6in fixed rear bed with a roomy front lounge on an Al-Ko chassis with uprated 4250kg payload to create a versatile long distance cruiser with huge carrying capacity.

Storage space can be further increased by specifying the high bed option, creating sufficient space for electric bikes or a mobility scooter under the rear bed with easy access via hatches on both sides.

The roomy front lounge will seat six comfortably and converts to a generous double bed to put up guests.

The Hi-Line variant provides two further beds in the overcab and the Half Dinette option offers two more belted travel seats if required.

And with larger washrooms and showers and a new Dometic fridge-freezer for 2017, the latest addition to the Frontier collection pushes the boundaries of luxury motorhome touring to new heights.


Frontier Delaware ‘S’

The defining feature of the new Frontier Delaware ‘S’ is an almost entirely separate rear bedroom with a choice of 6ft 1in long twin fixed single beds or a ‘king-sized’ double.

When twinned with a new larger kitchen – featuring Dometic’s practical new fridge freezer with storage drawers – and a cavernous washroom, the Delaware ‘S’ adds up to a comprehensively equipped long-range cruiser.

And in Hi-Line configuration with the half dinette option, four can sleep and travel in comfort, with ample living space to stretch out without intruding on the privacy of the rear bedroom.


Frontier Comanche S

A newcomer to the 2017 Frontier range, the Comanche S shares the same DNA with the best-selling Comanches, coming with twin fixed rear beds which add flexibility to the range.

Based on the market-leading Fiat Ducato platform, with an uprated 5000kg Al-Ko heavy duty twin-axle chassis, the Comanche S comes with the extra power and refinement of Fiat’s 177bhp MultiJet II engine.

There is a large front lounge with seating for up to seven, spacious L-shaped kitchen and larger washroom and separate WC spanning the central aisle.

The difference is in the separate sleeping quarters at the rear, where there is a choice of 6ft 1in long twin fixed single beds or a ‘king-sized’ double.

Opt for Hi-Line configuration plus the double dinette with four seat belts and the Comanche becomes a safe and comfortable long range luxury cruiser for up to six people – an ideal base for that unforgettable family holiday of a lifetime.

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Almost 50% jump in Auto-Sleepers show sales

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by Ed Davies

Having launched their line-up for next season at the Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham Auto-Sleepers have reported some of their best ever show sales

The Showcase NEC event proved to be immensely popular with visitors and Auto-Sleepers’s sales are testament to its popularity as they shot up 42% from last year.

The Worcestershire-based company generated eye-watering sales of in excess of £8.5m.

Other manufacturers, such as, Swift also saw a significant rise in sales from previous years.

Following the successful launch of the AL-KO based coachbuilt range at the February Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, Auto-Sleepers launched an all-new island bed model to the Corinium range, a first for the company.

The new Corinium Range proved to be the star of the show for customers looking to purchase models previously only available on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis.

This season saw the change to environmentally friendly Euro 6 engines with all of Auto-Sleepers 2017 Peugeot ranges now featuring Peugeot’s next generation BlueHDi 2.0 litre engines.

Dave Williams, sales director for Auto-Sleepers Motorhomes said: “In the face of stiff competition our combination of class leading specification and new models proved instrumental in building on last year’s success.

“Auto-Sleepers have undoubtedly raised the bar again for 2017 to build on 4 years of double digit sales growth with our best start to a new season in over 10 years and surpassing all expectations”.

New apprentice talent for Coachman caravans

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by Ed Davies

Hull-based caravan manufacturer, Coachman Caravans, has appointed three new apprentices to join up with their existing apprentice team of four

The three new apprentices, Tom Barwick, Jordan Roberts and Michael Parks, have been assigned to the cabinet shop and the gas and electrics gang on the production line.

As part of the scheme the apprentices spend one day a week attending lectures at Hull College and if they successfully complete their apprenticeship they will gain a full-time position at Coachman.

Alan Roberts, production director for Coachman, said: “Since our apprenticeship scheme started eight years ago we have regularly hired new apprentices to the Coachman workforce. We firmly believe that our trainees are the future of Coachman.

“We do everything we can to give our apprentices practical skills while allowing them to gain formal qualifications through a range of in-house training and college courses.”

The Coachman apprenticeship scheme lasts for three years and has been running since 2008.

It sees young trainees start in various departments of the factory and then move around on a three-monthly basis to gain an understanding of every aspect of caravan manufacturing.

This announcement follows the launch of Coachman’s best ever year at The Lawns Caravan Extravaganza, with retail sales up by 44% on the same period last year. New models on display included the new Vision 630, a five-berth caravan ideal for the entire family.

Coachman Caravans is one of the leading caravan manufacturers in the industry. The company employs 181 members of staff at its base in Hull, East Yorkshire, and produces caravans with a superior build quality and innovative design features, backed by a market-leading aftersales service.

Coachman’s Vision, Pastiche, VIP and Laser ranges offer caravans to suit a range of budgets, from affordable quality to unrivalled luxury.

Somerset caravan park shooting

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by Ed Davies

A grandfather was shot dead in a long-running feud between two traveller families, a court has heard

Wilfred Isaacs Senior, 49, died and his son, Wilfie Isaacs Junior was injured at the Chubbards Cross caravan park, near Ilminster, Somerset on May 5.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Charlie Broadway, 24, wounded Mr Isaacs Jnr, 22, before killing his father.

The BBC reported that Mr Broadway and his brothers, John , 37, and Billy, 18, deny murder and attempted murder.

Jurors heard tensions had been running high between the two families, who had “fallen out”, for almost two years.

Prosecutor William Mousley QC said the Broadway family was known to keep shotguns and would often shoot at the caravan site to intimidate the Isaacs family.

The prosecution alleged that Wilfred Isaacs Senior was shot dead in front of his family following a vicious altercation involving Charlie Broadway, Mr Isaacs Snr and his son.

Mr Mousley told the court: “Wilfred Isaacs was shot dead not far from his home in front of his partner, two sons and young granddaughter.

“His son Wilfie Jnr was also shot but luckily for him his injuries were not severe and he survived.

“Charlie then pointed the gun at Wilfred Isaacs Snr’s partner Pam and then pointed the gun at Wilfie Jnr’s daughter, telling her to go inside or she would also be shot.”

The prosecutor added: “The gun was fired from close range by Charlie Broadway. He had been handed the gun by his younger brother Billy and Billy had fetched the gun following instructions given to him by their oldest brother John.

“As such they are all responsible for the murder of Wilfred Isaacs Snr and the attempted murder of Wilfie Isaacs Jnr.”